Search results

This is actually a Raleigh, badged Hercules from about 1960. It has the 26 TPI bottom bracket and head set. If these are in reasonable condition they are probably worth more than the whole bike to someone. It would cost far more to restore than possible value. Keith

If the wheels are straight enough get a pair of tyres and tubes 26 x 1 3/8. oil down the brake cables, if they work just apply oil to the bearings before taking apart, and see how it rides. The head and bracket bearings are threaded 26 tpi so have not been made for around 50 years. If these are...

My first thought was F W Evans. Clearly a classy bike, and Evans had a CTC connection. What lightweight cycle shops were in his local area? Keith

Its possible to silver braze a hanger, campagnolo used to make one for this. With care the paint will only be burnt on the lower part of the drop out, possibly slight discolouring further up the dropout. Keith

Best guess early 1960s. If it has a Williams chainset it may be date coded. If the hubs are Campagnolo the cones may be dated. The brake could carry a date code. Keith

A long mechanically stamped number suggests a large manufacturer, so do the large gas holes. My first guess is Japanese. The heavy gauge tubing suggests fairly low rent model. Keith

More likely dates 50/60s

F C Parkes was director of Sun Cycles, the name was used for their top models. Keith

As it takes less than a minute to adjust the hub gear I would assume it has some problem which would cost far more than the value of the bike. The wheel size would be something near 26 inch, depending on age. Keith

It may be just the photo, but it looks like the forks are back a bit. They were always very soft, but fairly easy to pull. If you did as many bent forks and rear wheel tyre changes as I did in the 1950s on these you might dislike them as much as I do.

Back in the 1950s the standard cure was to lightly tap downwards the top of the spring loop with anything suitable. Keith

Empire Games dates the transfer, but it looks to me like a generic transfer that was widely available. Keith

Bear in mind you have Raleigh 26 threads per inch, not the standard 24. Use 11 1/4 inch loose balls each side. Keith

Looks like its soldered, which was how most cables were made, and quite easy to do. You must use a corrosive flux, Keith

Most probably use 49D with existing cups, but pedal threads may be French which is slightly smaller than our 9/16 x 20. Keith

The frame looks pre war. If it has an octagonal headset then after 1948. If the back wheel is original then the SA hub will have a date. Keith

You could put an extra spring in an 18 inch pump to stretch it a bit. Keith

The threaded tube is for adjusting so that the top roller is slightly nearer the spokes, but basically in line with your large cog. 28t is pushing it a bit, even if you had a new spring. The outside locking nut does not look tight, or possibly thread crossed. Let us see what it looks like when...

Those cheap pump pegs were used on many BSA models. The lug set looks the same as on the Gold column that I bought new 1949, also 72 / 70. The fork crown was poor, and only took D to round blades. The Headset was far better than the popular Brampton or TDC efforts. Keith

The genuine Tour of Britain frame from 1952 had butted 531 and 72 parallel. The tour of Britain sports was a complete bike aimed at the more affordable. Those tin can hubs were not very good, but if you are keeping it close to original then stuck with them. The Tour of Britain frame I had in...